Flying-boat.



G. H. CURTISS.

FLYING BOAT.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4. 1913.

.0 We 1 t 1 9 m m 1 02 H m M 4 a 64 a a. mm w Q9 hywamzo G. H. CURTISS.

FLYING BOAT.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 4. 1913.

Patented June 8, 1915.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

n I /llifldllllllliflviii!!!Illa! .6 0 mm W a a m we M GLENN n. cun'riss, or I-IAMMONDSPORT, NEW'YORK;

FLYING-BOAT.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 8, 1915.

original application filed September 6, 1912, Serial No. 718,840. Divided and this application filed June 4, 1913. Serial No. 771,646.

ed to rise from the water into the air whendriven at speed upon the water.

The present application isa division of one previously filed by the same inventor on September 6, 1912, Serial Number 718,840, and since patented as #108557 5, January 27, 191i.

The principal object of my invention is to provide a hydro-aero-ma-chine which may readily break from the water to rise into the air.

Another object of my invention is to provide a hydro-aero-machine of the above character having a relatively seaworthy and stable central body boat.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hydro-aero-machine of the above character which may plane upon the surface of the water at high speed and also readily .alight upon the water without tipping over forward.

Further objects of my invention are to protect the aviators body from head air currents and water spray, to give an unobstructed forward view to the aviator, and to so locate and arrange the aerial control and propelling means that they will be protected and will operate in an eiiicient manner.

. The several advantages of the present improvement will more clearly appear from the following specification, while the scope of the invention will be .pointedout in the appended claims.

In the specification and drawings I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention, and in the drawings,--

' Figure 1 is a side elevation of the entire machine; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same; Fig. 3 is a plan of the fuselage or boat portion with the supporting planes removed;

Fig. 4 is a detail cross-section through said boat body along line 4--l Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary plan of one end of the upper supporting plane; Fig. 6 is a plan of a wing tip pontoon; Fig. 7 a side elevation of said wing tip pontoon; and Fig. 8 a transverse section through line 88 of F ig. 6 of the wing-tip pontoon.

vReferring more particularly to the drawings, there is shown a boat body 1 of sufiicient buoyancy for supporting the entire machine upon the water and having mounted above the same one or more supporting planes 11 and 12 connected by the usual forward and rear strut-s 14, 14 forming an aeroplane. These supporting planes 11 and 12 are arranged in lifting relation to the boat when floating on the water, and in the preferred form of the invention shown the planes are located with the center of gravity lying intermediate their forward and rearcdges. The center of gravity of the machine, without the aviators aboard, is indicated bythe dot c, g, somewhat forward of the step. Of course with the aviator or aviators aboard, the center of gravity is shifted somewhat forward and downward from the point 0, g.

The machine is provided with suitable driving means consisting of engine 15 and air-propeller 16 of sullicient capacity to drive the machine at'such speed as to enable the air planes to'lift said machine clear of the Water in flight. The engine is preferably mounted between the air planes 11 and 12 and intermediate the forward and rear edges thereof with the aerial propeller mounted directly on the main shaft of the engine and located at the rear of: the main planes. I

prefer to use a single propeller located above forward view and to protect such surfaces and propeller from flying spray and from damage when the boat is alighting on the water.

The boat body 1 is of seaworthy construction for travel on the waterand contains therein, preferably at its forwardtpart, the cock-pit 8 with the operators seat and other controls more particularly described hereinafter, and extends as shownv from the front. to'rearof the entire machine to .serve' as the fuselage therefor. Tolfacilitate the breaking away of the boat from the water when the machine rises in flight, the bottomof the boat is flat as shown in Fig. 4, and is providedv with a rearwardly facing step .5 (see Fig. l) at a point approximately below its center of gravity. The bottom of the.

boat inclines from this 1 step. 5 upwardly toward the front ate, and also upwardly at 6 toward the rear. The stem 3 of the boat and aft of the main planes, the machine being normally supported on both said buoyant portions to increase its longitudinal stability on the water. The rear portionis in the form of along relatively light tail portion extending aft of the main air planes.

In this embodiment of the invention the sides of the rear portion taper as stated to give a narrow tail. I

The bottom of the forward portion of this boat is in the form of an effectivef hydroplaning surface extending from the nose of the scow bow downwardly and rearwardly to a point in advance of the main air plane surface, and thence rearwardly and more horizontally terminating at the rearwardly facing step [approximately be- 'neath the center of gravity of the machine and intermediate the forward and rear edges .of the main air planes, from whence the bottom inclines upwardly as stated. This hydroplaning surface as shown in the drawings, extends the full width of the boat between the submerged sides of the boat extending along the len th of this surface to,

get the maximum hy roplaning width for a glven shaped boat, and the bottom of the boat extending along the tail portion is in the form of a. reverse hydroplaning surface.-

By reverse hydroplaning surface I mean a surface which is inclined upwardly and I rearwardly. permitting the stern to be tilted down (and thereby having just the opposite effect from a hydroplaning surface the functlon of which is to lift) and yet one that is not curved or rounded such as would pro duce suction atthe tail to hold the tail of the boat in'the water and interfere with the elevation ofthe tail or breaking of the tail from the water when the boat is planing at speed with a tendency to rock forward substantially about the rear extremity of its forward hydroplaning surface into a more horizontal position ofless resistance to headway. In the present form of the invention j f as stated, this reverse hydroplane surface is flat. The forward ,broad and relatively sharply downwardly inclined hydroplaning- .2

surface beneath the bow gives substantial resistance to diving, should the boat take the water at too sharp an angle and helps to prevent the boat from tipping forward and position. J

lVhen tendency of the stern or tail of the boat is to suck or hog down in the water, and in hydrotends to cause it 'to glide into a horizontal boats speed up on the water the Planes it has been Proposed to more, or less vprevent this by extending a deeply stepped bottom along the stern or tail of the boat,

producing low water-resistant hydroplane surfaces tending to-hold thestern up.' In hydro-aeroplanes, however, this is undesirable, since it is desirable at times for the tail I i of the boat to incline or rock-downwardlyabout the rear extremity of the forward hydroplaning surface as well as to have the tail rocked upward about said extremity, i

and head resistant surfaces on the projecting tail portion extending down to or below the rear edge of the forward hydroplane surface would interfere with this operation as well as increase the weight of the tail portionv aeroplanes.

I have found that the rear of the hydroplane surface of a hydro-aeroplane should which is likewise undesirable in h'ydroterminate in an edge and sufiiciently close to the center of gravity of the machine, and

the bottom of the tail of the boat fromsaid point should be elevated rather abruptly proper longitudinal rocking of the machine about said rear extremity of. the hydro plane as is desirable to get'the boatup to speed and cause it to readily break fromthe water. 'In the embodiment of the invention "1'05... above the hydroplane surface, topermit the shown this edge as stated is in the form of the .rearwardly facing step 5 located ap- Q; I

proximately beneath the center of gravity of'the machine, 2'. 6., adjacent or close to a vertical line passing through the-center of gravity and preferably at the rearthereof;

and it will be observed likewise that this step is below the lifting airplanes, in which f 1 positionit gives more or less of an edge or a relatively short length, of bottom surface to first strike the water and thus relieve shock when the boat takes the water at but a'slight angle. The upper deck 7 of.the"

ter downwardly toward the rear, and at the boat also preferably inclines from the cenforward portion the upper deck is preferably stepped to form a cock-pit 8 for the.

operator. The hull of the boat is formedof rigid material such as woodor metal to images withstand the water pressure, but above its forward part is provided with a hood 6 of fragile material such as canvas, supported on slat ribs 6 of thin wood or other easily yielding material to form the cock-pit 8 around the operators seat. The hood 6 acts as a spray shield and its fragile nature allows it to collapse-and prevent injury to the operator if he should be thrown violently forward due to any accident. or sudden stopping of the machine. .Behind the operators seat may be carried the main fuel tank 98 for the engine 15, which preferably communicates with an upper auxiliary fuel tank 99 carried adjacent said engine through pipe 10G and pump 101 operated by said engine. The boat may also be provided with suitable water-tight compartments (not shown} behind the storage tank for increased buoyancy.

At the stern 3 of the boat is a suitable water rudder 9, preferably of rigid material carried on the pivoted rudder post 24, and beneath said rudder is preferably a projecting skegg -10 for protecting the same. Mounted abbve the water rudder and preferably upon the same post 24 therewith is the air.

the vertical air rudder 25 of lighter material, such as a canvas covered frame, for steering the machine to the right and left in The air rudder 25 has an extension 26 forward of its pivot to partially balance the wind pressure thereon. The rudder wires 38 connected to each side of the rudder post at 40 and -11, lead forwardly and pass up through the pivot of hollow steering lever 35' as shown in Fig. 1. The machine is also preferably provided at its rear end with a fixed vertical stabilizing surface 20 and a fixed horizontal stabilizing surface 21 in front of the rudders, as shown in Figs.

1 and 3. At the rear of the horizontal S111' below the pivotal point of lever 35 as shown.

The vertical rudder 25, horizontal rudders 22, 22 fixed surfaces 20, 21, have to do with the controlling of the longitudinal stability of the machine and are therefore termed the longitudinal stabilizing devices as distinguished from the lateral equilibrium restoriner devices hereinafter referred to.

The aeroplane attached above the boat in the present embodiment preferably consists of the superposed supporting planes as shown, and the lower plane 12 is preferably secured at its middle slightly above the upper deck of the boat and spreads outwardly therefrom in both directions at a slight upward angle so as to form a dihedral angle, as shown in Fig. 2. Mounted adjacent the lateral portions of each side of this lower plane, and preferably fixed to the wing tips thereof, are pontoons 27 of hollow construction and preferably shaped as shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, for the purpose of keeping'the wing tips clear of the water when the machine is traveling thereon. Said pontoons 27 are formed with a downwardly inclined lower surface and also have trailing blades 28 fixed thereto for engaging the water when one side or the other of the aeroplane is depressed. The shape of these pontoons issuch that they present very little wind resistance to the forward travel of the machine and at their upper sides they closely conform to the under curved surface of the lower plane 12 so as to form depending end surfacesfor the wing tips. It has been found that this arrangement increases the lifting capacity of the plane by preventing the air from sliding off the ends of the supporting planes especially when said planes are arranged in a dihedral angle as shown. At the upper central portion of the aeroplane above the'bbat body are preferably mounted vertical surfaces and 50 to offset the lateral resistance of said boat body to side currents of air and thus more perfectly balance the machine.

. The aeroplane as shown is also preferably provided with equilibrium-restoring devices one at each lateral edgeof the machine, and consisting in the present embodiment of ailerons 17 and 17 pivoted at 14 upon the rear posts 14 between the planes 11 and 12. The controlling wires 45 and 45 attached to the upper surface of each aileron lead respectively around suitable guides to opposite sides of the swinging shoulder frame 51, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The wire at connects the under side of both ailerons, whereby the shoulder frame when swung in either direction will throw the ailerons simultaneously to opposite angles of incidence for balancingthe machine in flight, as is well understood. The upper supporting plane 11 is also preferably provided at each lateral edge thereof with a triangular panel 19, 19 supported on braces 18 and 18 and having the rear corners thereof 105, 105* hooked downwardly to check the slipping of the supporting air past the same. This arrangement has been found to increase the lifting capacity of the upper plane.

The operation of the form of the invention shown in the drawings is as follows: When the machine is at rest on the water it is floated by both the forward and rear buoyant portions-so that the tail portion increases the longitudinal stability of the machine on the water. When the machine is moving slowly through the water the bow rises and the tail sinks below its normal displacement, the-elevated and upwardly in well up out of the water, due to the forwardly projecting part of the boat beyond the center of gravity and the proximity of the step to the center of gravity, the boat is adapted to rock forward upon the forward hydroplaning surface and travel on the water supported from the water upon said surface with the tail of the boat well elevated. When, the boat is thus planing onsaid hydroplane surface the head resistance "is greatly decreased due to the decreased angle of inclination of the hydroplane surface to the water, the elevation of the tail portion and the decreased angle of incidence of the .air planes so that the boat rapidly gains in speed to rise in the air, and, by means of the longitudinal aerial balancing ter of gravity of the -machine and consti tuting a tail portion decidedly lighter perunit of length and of a decidedly less d1s-' placement per unit of length whenthe machine is at reston the water, than the forward buoyant portion, said rear portion having a bottom surface commencing at the rear of the step and higher than the bottom of said. forward hydroplaning surface,

whereby the machine may rock about the step and plane on the water at speed with its tail portion decidedly raised above its normal displacement to readily break from the water, the machine when at rest being supported on both bottom surfaces of said forward andcrea-r buoyant portions to give longitudinal stability, andmeans for driving the machine at such speed as to cause it to rise from the water.

2. In a hydro-aero-inachine, the combination of a main air plane supporting S1111? face extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, floating means for supporting the machine on the water inplanes, may be readily rocked rearwardly' about the step 5 to a flying angle to rise from the water. Even if the bottom surface of the tail of the boat should'not be substantially out of the water at this time, the height of the bottom surface of the tail above the rear extremity of the hydroplaning surface will permit this rocking movement without the rear of the tail engaging the water to an undesirable displacement; and if it should engage the water, its flat surface will prevent undue suction of the tail in the water such as would hold the machine in that position.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art after understanding my invention, that various changes and modifications may be made in the embodiment of the invention shown without departing from the spirit or scope o fmy invention, and that the present description and drawings disclose merely a preferred form in' which my invention may be carried out, and I aim in the ap-' pended claims to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of my invention.=

Claims-'- a 1. In a' h'ydro-aero. machine, the combination of one or more air plane supporting surfaces extending transversely of the machine in lifting-relation thereto, rigid floatmg means'for supporting the machine on the water' -i-ncl uding a forward buoyant por-- tion having a1hydroplane surface commenc mg at a point well in advance of the center of .gra vity of the machine and extending downwardly and rearwardly terminating in a rearwardly facing'step in the vicinity of a-vvertical line through the center of'gravs ity of themachine, and a rear buoyant portron extending well to the rear of the cen-' eluding a forward buoyant portion having a bottom surface commencing at a point well in advance of the center of gravity of the machine and inclining downwardly and rearwardly and thence rearwardly and more horizontally and in the form of an effective hytiroplane surface terminating in a rearwardly: facing step intermediate the forward and rear edges of said main air plane surface, and a rear buoyant portion extending well aft of the'rear edge of said main air plane surface to increase longitudinal stability on the water, and having a bottom surfacehigher than the bottom of the buoyant portion in advance thereof and free of head resistant surfaces extending down to said hydroplane surface as would prevent the rocking of the machine about said step to facilitate breaking from the Water, and means for driving the machine'atsuch speed as to cause ,it to rise from the water. 7 a I 3; In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of one or'mOreair plane supporting surfaces extending transversely of the maa point well in advance of the center of gravity ofthe machine and extending downwardly and rearwardly terminating in a rearwardly facing step. in the.1vici-nity of a int vertical line through-the center of gravity ofthe machine, and arear buoyant portion extending well to the rear of the center of gr'avlty -of the machine and constituting a tail portion decidedly lighter per unit of I length'iand when the machine is at'rst'eon the water," of-decidedly less displacement per unit of length than the forward buoyanticense *portion, said rear portion having a bottom surface commencing at the rear of the step and higher than the bottom of said forward hydroplaning surface, and free of surfaces that would prevent the machine rocking substantially about the step, the machine when at rest being supported on both bottom surfaces of said forward and rear buoyant portions to give longitudinal stability, the bow of the buoyant forward portion being free from aerial balancing and aerial propelling means, longitudinal aerial stabilizing means located at the rear of the machine, means for driving the machine including aerial propelling means carried to the rear of the main supporting air plane, and aviators control mechanism for the stabilizing and propelling means located forward of the aerial propeller, whereby said stabilizing and propelling means are protected and theforward view of the aviator unobstructed by the same.

4. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combina: tion of an airplane supporting surface'extendingtransversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, a relatively long rigid centrally floating body boat for supporting the machine on the water including forward and rear buoyant portions normally floating the machine on the water to increase longitudinal stability. the bottom of the forward portion being fairly broad and inclining downwardly and rearwardly at a relatively sharp angleto provide a gliding bottom at the bow giving substantial resistance to the boats diving. and thence extending rearwardly more horizontally in the form of an effective hydroplane surface. said boat bottom having a rearwardly facing step approximately beneath the center of gravity of the machine, and the rear buoyant portion having its bottom surface commencing at the rear of said step and higher than the edge of 'the step and inclining upwardly and rearwardly so that the machine is ada ted to m re readily rise from the water, aerial stabilizing and steering means and means including an aerial epropeller for driving a machine at such speed as to cause it to rise from the water.

5. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of an air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine in 11fting relation thereto, a relatively long rigid centrallv floating body boat for sup orting the machine on the water including forward and rear buoyant portions normally floating the machine on the water to increase longitudinal stability, said forward portion having a fairly broad bottom extending downwardly and rearwardly beneath the bow to provide a gliding surface providing substantial resistance to the boats diving and thence extending rearwardly more horizontally said bottom being in the form of an efiective hydroplane with a rearwardly facing step in the vicinity of a vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the machine, the rear buoyant portion of the boat having its bottom surface commencing at the step and higher than the edge of the ste and having no substantial length of surface as low as the forward hydroplane surface whereby the machine may readily rise from the water, aerialbalancing and steering means and means including an aerial propeller for driving the machine at such speed as to cause it to rise from the water.

In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of a main; air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine and in lifting relation thereto with the center of gravity of the machine located intermediate the forward and rear edges of said main plane, floating means for supporting the machine on the water including a forward buoyant portion having a broad hydroplane surface beneath it commencing at a point in advance of the forwa'rd edge of said main plane and'extending downwardly and rearwardly terminating in a rearwardly facing step intermediate the forward and rear edges of said main plane, the machine being substantially free from head-resistant surfaces extending as low as said hydroplane surface, and a rear buoyant portion extending well aft of the rear edge of the planes, and aft of the planes decidedly lighter and of decidedlv less displacement each per unit of length than the forward buoyant portion and having a bottom surface commencing in the rear of said step and higher than the hydroplane surface in advance thereof toenable the machine to readily break from tially at the rear of said main plane. a cockpit in the buoyant member forward of said main plane, longitudinal aerial stabilizing means located at the rear of the machine, a vertical aerial rudder also at the rear of said machine, and aviators control mechanism in the cock-pit for governing the stabilizing and propelling means, whereby the said stabilizing and propelling means are protected and the forward view of the aviator unobstructed by the same.

7. In a hvdro-aero-machine, the combination of rigid buoyant floating means for supporting said machine on the water, including abuoyant forward and a buoyant rear or tail portion each sitting in the water with the machine at rest to increase the longitudinal stability of the machine, one or more main air plane supporting surfaces secured to the floating means and extending out on either side thereof in lifting relation thereto, the. forward buoyant portion having a hydroplane bottom surface which terminates in the vicinity of a vertical line passing through the center of gravity of the machine and inclines'forward and upward to a point well ahead of said vertical line and of such length as to permit the machine to plane upon said surface on the water in gaining speed to raise the tailportion from its normal displacement to facilitate breaking from the water, the buoyant rear portion extending from a point in the vicinity of said center. of gravity vertical line to apoint well to the rear of said line to give longitudinal stability to the machine when resting on the water and having a bottom inclined upwardly and rearwardly as a reverse hydroplaning surface to facilitate the machine breaking from the water, a rearwardly facing step intermediate said forward hydroplaning surface and the rear wardly and upwardly inclined bottomsurface and terminating the lowermost bottom. hydroplane supporting surface of the machine, lateral and longitudinal aerial balanc ing means, and means for driving the boat at such speed as to cause it to be lifted from the water.

8. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of floating means for supporting said machine on the water, including a buoyant forward and a buoyant rear or tail portion each sitting inthe water with the machine.

at'rest, a main air plane surface secured to said floating means and extending out from each side thereof in lifting relation thereto, the forward buoyant portion of said floating means having a hydroplane bottom surface the'rear of which terminates at a point intermediate the forward and rear extremities of said main air plane and extends forward and upward to a point well in advance of the center of gravity of'themachine to permit the maclnne to plane on the water on said surface in gaining speed, the rear buoyant portion of said water-sumiorted means extending rearwardly well aft of the rear extremity of said main air plane surface to increase the longitudinal stability of the machine when resting on the water, said tail I portion at the rear of the main plane being decldedly lighter than the forward buoyant portion and having a bottom commencing at a point in advance of the rear edgeof the main air plane surface and inclined upwardly and rearwardly, a rearwardly facing step intermediate said forward hydroplanin surface and said bottom surface of the tai said step terminating the lowermost hydroplane surface of the machine, 1ateral and a buoyant rear orz-tail portion extending well aft of said main plane, the machine beingnormally supported on the water by both said buoyant portions to increase the longitudinal stability of the same, the forward.

portion being deep and broad as compared with the tail portion to render the boat seaworthy, give lateral stability and accommo- I date an effective hvdroplanesurface, the water-submerged side portions of the tail -tapering rearwardly to form a tail portion at the'rear of the main air plane decidedly lighter'andof decidedly less displacement per unit of length than the broad deep portion, the bottom of the boat having aneffective hydroplane surface extending from the bow rearwardly toand terminating in a rearwardly facing distinct step to the rear of the forward edge of the main air plane, the bottom of the boat to the rear of said step inclining upwardly and rearwardly and constituting a reverse hydroplane surface whereby a light water-supported tail portion is provided which will readily break from the water when the boat is planing at speed, and means including an aerial propeller for driving said boat with suflicient speed to make it rise from the water.

10. In a hvdro-aero-machine, the combination of a main air plane supporting sur face extending transversely of the machine in lifting relationthereto with the centerof gravity of the machine lying intermediate the forward and "rear edgesof said main plane, a long relatively narrow rigid central body boat floating substantially the entire machine when on the water and comprising a forward buoyant portion extending well for-- ward of the main air plane surface and a buoyant rear or tail portion extending well aft of said main plane, the machine being normally supported on the water by'both ,said buoyant'portions to increase the longi- "tudinal stability of the same, the forward.

portion being deep and, broad as compared with the tail portion to render the boat sea worthy, give lateral stability and accommodate ,an effective hydroplane surface the water-submerged side portions of the tail, tapering re'arwardly to form atail, portion 89 at the rear of the main air plane decidedly lighter and of decidedly less displacement per unit of length than the broad deep portion, the bottom of the boat having an effective'hydroplane surface extending from the bow rearwardly to and terminating in a rearwardly facing distinct step to the rear of the forward edge of the main air plane, the bottom of the boat to the rear of said step inclining upwardly and rearwardly and constituting a reverse hydroplane surface whereby a light water-supported tail portion is provided which, will readily break from the water when the boat is planing at speed, means for driving the boat including an aerial propeller located substantially at the rear of the main plane, a vertical aerial rudder and longitudinal aerial balancing planes each located at the rear of the machine, a seat for the aviator in advance of the aerial propeller, and aviators control mechanism at said seatfor governing said control and driving means, the forward end of the boat being free from aerial propelling and controlling mechanism to give the aviator an unobstructed forward view. 3

11. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of a relatively narrow main air plane supporting surface extending out transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto substantially above the center of gravity of the machine, a rigid central body boat floating substantially the entire machine on the water and comprising a forward buoyant portion extending Well forward of the main air plane surface and a buoyant rear or tail portion extending well aft of said main plane, the machine being normally supported on the water by both said buoyant portions to increase the longitudinal stability of the machine, the forward portion being deep as compared with the tail portion. the bottom of the boat having an effective hydroplane surface extending from a poin't well in advance of the main air plane rearwardly and substantially the full width of the submerged part of the body heat coextensive therewith and terminating in a rearwardly facing distinct step intermediate the forward and rear edges of the main air plane the bottom of the boat at the rear of said step being higher than the forward hvdroplane surface and free of water-resistant surfaces as low as the said forward surface whereby the tail will be readily raised in the water when the boat is planing at speed. and means including an aerial propeller for driving said boat at sufficient speed to make it rise from the water.

12. Tn a hydroaero -machine. the combination of'a relatively narrow main air plane supporting surface extending out transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto substantially above the center of gravity of the machine, a rigid central body boat floatingsubstantially the entire machine on the water and comprising a forward buoyant portion extending Well forward of the main air plane surface and a buoyant rear or tail portion extending well aft of said main plane, the machine being normally supported on the water by both said buoyant portions to increase the longialong the overhanging bow and thence rear-v wardly more horizontally in the form of an efltect1ve hydroplaning surface and terminating in a rearwardly facing distinct step to the rear of the forward edge of the main air plane, the bottom of the boat at the rear of said step inclining upwardly and rearwardly in the form of a reverse hydroplaning surface beneath the tail and the sides of said tail portion tapering rearwardly, whereby a decidedly light tail portion is provided which will readily break from the water when the boat is planing at speed, means including an aerial propeller for driving the boat at suflicient speed to cause it to rise from the water, longitudinal aerial balancing means, and aviator control mechanism for governing said aerial controlling and propelling means.

13. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of a relatively narrow air plane supporting surface extending out transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, the center of gravity of the machine being intermediate the forward and rear edges of said plane. a rigid central boat body floating substantially the entire machine on the wa ter and comprising forward and rear buoyant portions respectively extending well forward and aft of said air plane surface, the machine being supported on the Water by both said buoyant portions to increase the longitudinal stability of the machine, the forward portion being deep as compared with the tail portion and having a scow bow and a bottom in the form of an effective hydroplaning surface extending from the bow downwardly and rearwardly to'a point in advance of the main air plane and thence extending rearwardly more horizontally and terminating in a rearvvardlv facing step located at a point intermediate the forward and rear edges of the air plane, the bottom of the boat beneath the tail portion being located higher than the step and inclined upwardly andrearwardly in the form of a reverse hydroplaning surface, whereby the buoyant tail portion of the boat is of less displacement per unit of length than the forward buoya-nt portion and adapted to more readily rock vertically when the boat is porting surface extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto with the center of gravity of the machine located intermediate the forward and rear edge of said main plane, a rigid central floating body boat for supporting the machine on the water, including forward and rear buoyant portions extending respectively well forward and aft of the main'plane and each normally floating the machine on the water to increase the longitudinal stability, the forward portion being deep and having a hydroplaning bottom commencing at a point in advance of the forward edge of said main plane and extending downwardly and rearwardly terminating in a rearwardly facing stepin proximity to a vertical line thmugh the'center of gravity of the machine and intermediate the forward and rear edges of the main plane, the rear buoyant portion aft of the main planebeing, of decidedly less displacement per unit of length than the forward buoyant portion and having a bottom surface commencing to the rear of said step and inclining upwardly and rearwardly, whereby the machine when planing at speed on the water is adapted to rock forward on the forward hydroplaning surface with its tail elevated to readily break from the water, and means for driving the machine at such speed as to cause it to rise from the water.

15. In a hydro-aero-maehine, the combination of a main air plane supporting. surface extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, a rigid central floating body boat for supporting the machine on the water, including forward and rear buoyant portions extending respectively Wellforward and aft of the main plane and each normally floating the machine on the water to increase the longitue dinal stability, the forward portion being deep and having an overhanging bow and a hydroplane bottom surface extending from the bow downwardly and rearwardly and terminating in a rearwardly facing step intermediate the forward and rear edges of the main air plane, the rear buoyant portion aft of the main air plane being of decidedly less displacement per unit of length than the forwardbuoyant portion and having its water-submerged side portions tapering rearwardly and having a bottom surface commencing to the rear of the step and inclined upwardly and rearwardly with a reverse hydroplaning surface free from head resistant surfaces projecting below the f0rward hydroplaningv snrface whereby the vertical rocking movements of the tail about the step arefacilitated to enable the machine to morereadily break from the water.

16. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of an air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto with the center of gravity of the machine lying intermediate the forward and rearedges of said main plane, a long relatively narrow rigid central body boat floating substantially the .entire machine when on the water and comprising a forward buoyant portion extend ing wellforward of the main air plane surface and, a buoyant rear or tail portion extending well aft of said main plane, the machine being normally supported on the water by both said buoyant portions to increase" .the longitudinal stability of the same. the

forward portion being deep and broad as compared with the tail portion to render the bbat seaworthy, give lateral stability and accommodate an efiective water planing surface, the tail portion at the rear of the main p'lane being of decidedlv less dis.-

placement per unit of length than said-'forl ward portion, the bottom of the boat hav-r ing an effective hydroplaning surface ex-' tending from the bow rearwardly and ter-' minating in a rearu-ardlv' facing distinct step in proximity to a vertical line through 1OO-v the center of gravity of the machine and intermediate the forward and rear edges of the main air plane. the bottom of the boat v to the rear of said step inclining upwardly and rearwardly and constituting a reverse hvdroplane surface, whereby .the machine when planing at speed on thewater is adapted to rock forward and plane on its ios 1 forward hydroplaning surface with the tail elevated to facilitate breaking from the water, means including an aerial propeller mounted to the rear of the main plane for driving the boat at sujl'licient speed to make it 'rise from the water. a vertical aerial rudder and longitudinal aerial balancing.

means carried at the rear of the machine. a

seat for the aviator forward of the propeller, and means thereat for controlling said aerlal balancmg and propelling means.

17. In a hydro-aero-machine. the combiand rearwardly and terminating in a trans verse vertical plane approximatelv beneath the center of gravity of the machine and also having a reverse h droplane surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from memes said plane at a salient angle to the forward hydroplane surface, whereby a transverse edge is formed about which the machine when speeded up on the water may be rocked vertically onto the forward hydroplane surface :to facilitate the machines rising from the water, said machine beingnormally floated with both the forward hydroplane surface and the reverse hydro plane surface engaging the water to increase longitudinal stability, steering means for said machine, and means including an aerial propeller for driving the machine at such speed as to cause it to rise from the and rearwardly at a relatively sharp angle,

and thence rearwardly more horizontally and terminating in a vertical transverse plane approximately beneath the center of gravity of the machine, said hydroplaning surface being substantially the full width of the water-submerged portion of the boat coextensive therewith, said boat also having a reverse hydroplane surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from sald plane at a salient angle to the forward hydroplane surface, whereby a transverse edge is formed about which the machine when speeded up on the water may be rocked vertically onto the forward hydroplaning surface to facilitate its rising from the water, aerial balancing and steering means for said machine, and means including an aerial propeller for driving the machine at such speed as-to cause it to rise from the water. 7

19, In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of an air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, floating means for supporting said machine on the water comprising a forward buoyant portion having a hydroplane surface beneath it running rearwardly and terminating in an edge approximately beneath the center of gravity of the machine and a buoyant portion to the rear of said-edge, there being a distinct clearance between the rear of said hydroplane surface and the forward part of the bottom of said rear buoyant portion, said machine being substantially free from head resistant surfaces as low as said hydroplane surface, such as would interfere with the rocking of the machine about said step, said two buoyant portions being so arranged that when the machine is at rest on the water it floats on both said buoyant portions, and an aerial propeller for-driving the machine at such speed that it will be supported in the air. Y

20. In a hydro-aero-machine, the, combination of an air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine, a body boat having a forward hydroplane surface beneath it terminating in a distinct rearwardly facing step in the boat body intermediate the immersed portion when at rest and in proximity to a vertical line through the center of gravity of the, machine, and also having a tail portion with a bottomiinclined upwardly and rearwardly from the step so that at high speed the boat is adapted to rock forward and travel on the water upon said hydroplane surface with the tail of the boat eleveated, longitudinal aerial balancing means, and means including an aerial propeller for driving the machine at such speed that it will be supported in the air. v

21. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of main air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, a rigid central floating body boat for supporting the machine on the water, including forward and rear buoyant portions extending respectively well forward and aft of the main plane and each normally floating-the machine on the water, the bottom of the forward portion having an effective hydroplaning surface extending from the bow downwardly and rearwardly and terminating in a rearwardly facing step intermediate the forward and rear edges of 106 the air plane and approximately beneath the center of gravity of the machine, the bottom of the rear portion of the boat aft of the step being higher than the hydroplaning surface and presenting no substantial hydro- 105 plane surface as low as the hydroplane sur face terminating at the step, said bottom of the rear portion shaped so that the action of the water thereon permits the machine at high speed to rock forward onto the for- 110 ward hydroplaning surface and travel thereon with its tail elevated and its air plane surface at an angle of incidence less than when said machine is at rest, and means including an aerial propeller for driving said 115 machine at such speed as to cause it to be supported in the air.

22. In a hydro-aero-machinc, the combination of a main air plane supporting surtheimmersed portion of theboat when at rest and approximately beneath the center of gravity of the machine, said boat hav ing a scow bow and said bottom forward of the step being in'the form of an efl'ective adapted at high speed to rock forward onto said hydroplaning surface and travel thereon with its tail elevated and its air plane surface at an angle of incidence less than when said machine is at rest, said forward hydroplane surface being of such length as to maintain the'machine in such planing position, and means including an aerial propeller for driving the machine at such speed that it will be supported in the air..

23. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of a main air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machinein lifting relation thereto, a rigid central floating body boatfor supporting the machine on the; water, including forward and rear buoyant portions extending respec-. tively well forward and aft of the main plane and each normally floating the machine on the water, the sides of the tail portion tapering rearwardly of the air plane surface, the bottom of the forward portion' being decidedly broader than the bottom of:

the tail portion at the rear of the air planes so as to accommodate an effective hydroplaning surface, and having an effective hydroplaning surface extending from the bow downwardly and rearwardly and terminating in a rearwardly facing step intermediate the forward and rear edges of the air plane and approximately beneath the center of gravity of the machine,the bottom of the rear portion of the-boat aftjof the step inclining upwardly and rearwardly, being higher than the hydroplaning surface so as.

I to present no substantial length of bottom surface as low as the hydroplaning surface in advance of the step, whereby the machine is adapted to rock vertically on the step and at high speed and to rock forward onto the hydroplaning surface and travel thereon with its tail elevated and its air plane surface at an angle of incidence less than when said machine is at rest, means including an aerial propeller mounted in the rear of the main air plane for driving the machine at such speed as to cause it to be supported in the air, longitudinal and lateral aerial balancing means, a cock-pit in the boat forward of said propeller and control means thereat for governing said aerial controlling and propelling means, the forward end of the I boat being-substantially freefrom propel ling and controlling means to give the aviator an unobstructed forward view.

24. In a hydro-aero-machine, the oombination of a main air plane supporting sur--- face extending out transversely of the ma-' chine in lifting relation thereto, the center" of gravity of the machine being intermediate the forward and rear edges of said plane,

a rigid central boat body floating substanb oad as compared with the tail portion to render the boat more seaworthy, give it latoral stability and accommodate an effective hydroplane surface, the sides of the boat gradually tapering rearwardly of the planes to form the relatively long narrow tail portion, the-forward part of the boat having a normally overhanging scow bow and a bottom in the form of an effective hydroplan ing surface extending from the nose'of the boat downwardly and rearwardly beneath the bow and thence extending more horizontally rearwardly and terminating at a transverse line approximately beneath the main air planes from whence the bottom of the boat inclines at a positive angle upwardly and rearwardly under the tail portion so that said tail at the rear of the main air plane is carried well above the rear extrem- 1ty of said forward hydroplaning surface, whereby the boat when planing uponthe water at speed is adapted to rock about the rear extremity of said forward hydroplanng surface onto said surface, aerial balancing means, means for driving the boat at such speed as'to cause. it;to rise into the air including an aerial propeller, and aviator control mechanism for governing said aerial balancingand propelling means.

25. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination-of an air plane supporting surface extendlng transversely. of the machine in'lifting relation thereto substantially over the center of gravity thereof, a central rigid body boat for supporting the machine on the water and extending well forward and aft of the main air plane, the rear of the boat bem 1n the form of a relatively light tail, the orward portion of said boat-being deep and bread as compared with the tail portion to render the'boat seaworthy, give it isoe Lao

lateral stability and accommodate an effective hydroplane surface, the body of the boat gradually tapering rearwardly of the planes to a sharp stern to form the relatively long narrow tail portion, the forward part of the boat having an overhanging bow and a bottom extending from the nose of the boat downwardly and rearwardly beneath the overhanging. portion. and then extend ing more horizontally and in the form of an effective hydroplaning surface rearwardly to a point approximately beneath the main air planes, from whence the bottom of the boat inclines at a positive angle upwardly and rearwardly under the tail portion so that the tail portion at the rear of the main air plane is carried well above the rear extremity of theforward hydroplaning surface, the bottom of said tail portion constituting a reverse hydroplane surface, whereby the boat when planing upon the water at speed is adapted to rock about the rear extremity of said forward hydroplan ing surface onto said surface, the machine normally resting on the forward and rear buoyant portions to increase longitudinal stability, and having a cock-pit for the aviator in advance of the main air plane, an upper deck portion extendingfrom the nose of the boat upwardly and rearwardly toward the cock-pit to give the bow of the boat depth and to protect the aviators bodyfroir water spray and wind, the rear end of the tail portion of the boat having mounted thereon vertical aerial and water steering surfaces and aerial longitudinal balancing planes, means including an aerial propeller in the rear of the main plane for driving the machine, and means in the cock-pit for governing said control and aerial propelling means.-

26. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of a main air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, a rigid floating central body boat having forward and rearward buoyant portions projecting respectively well forward and aft of the main air plane, a hydroplaning surface beneath the boat extending rearwardly and terminating substantially beneath the main air plane, the rear or tail portion of the boat having a bottom inclining upwardly and rearwardly from said termination, a vertical aerial rudder mounted on the stern of said tail portion and extending above the same, a stationary vertical fin in longitudinal alinement with said rudder at the front of the same and tapering downwardly and forwardly toward the tail 'of the boat, horizontal stationary air planes mounted on each side of said fin and elevated above the tail of the boat and longitudinal aerial stabilizing planes mounted at the rear of said horizontal planes and in alinement said aerial control and driving means, the

bow of the boat being free of aerial'control and driving means to give an unobstructed forward view. I

27. In a hydro-aero-machine, the combination of a main air plane supporting surface extending transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, a rigid floating central body boat having forward and rearward buoyant portions, a hydroplaning surface beneath the boat extending rearwardly and terminating approximately beneath the main air plane, the rear or tail portion of the boat having a bottom inclining upwardly and rearwardly from said termination, a vertical aerial rudder mounted on the stern of said tail portion and extending above the same, a stationary vertical fin in longitudinal alinement with said rudder at the forward end of the same, horizontal stationary air planes mounted on each side of said fin and elevated above the tail of the boat and longitudinal aerial stabilizing planes mounted at the rear of said horizontal planes and in alinement therewith, one on each side of the vertical aerial rudder, and aviator control'means for govern- 100 ing said rudder and stabilizing means.

28. In a hydro-aero-machine the combination of a main air plane supporting surface extendingout transversely of the machine in lifting relation thereto, a rigid central 105 body boat floating substantially the entire machine on the water, and comprising forward and rear buoyant portions, the boat 1 having an overhanging bow with a bottom surface beneath the same inclining downwardly and rearwardly at a relatively sharp angle and sufficiently broad to give eflective resistance. to the boats diving when taking the water too perpendicularly, said bottom surface then extending rearwardly more horizontally. in the form of an effective hy- .plane up to the surface of the- Watef and Signed at HammondsporflN. this 17 blzl'eali therefrofm without interference from day of May 1913. t e ottom 0 the rearbuoyant portion V -means including an aerial propeller fox GLENN CURTISS' 5 glriving the boat at sufiicient speed to cause Witnesses 1t to leave the water, and steering means for Y Y MARTHA --G. GENUNG, v said machine. H. O. GENUNG. 

